Center for Neural Communication Technology

描述（由申请人提供）：微制造植入式神经探针是神经科学的一项使能技术。对这些设备的需求来自不同的科学方向，提出了具有挑战性的技术要求。神经通信技术中心的任务是开发和提供用于慢性、高保真神经接口到中枢神经系统的微尺度神经探针技术。我们将通过建立一个系统的、有序的研究和开发计划来完成这一使命，该计划将前沿的神经技术和技术与开创性的神经科学应用相结合。该中心有四个目标：目标一是开发微型神经探针、治疗方法和方法，用于与大脑目标区域进行长期、多通道的电子和化学神经接口。目的2是将这些成分整合到植入式装置中，并在不同的实验应用中表征它们的长期生物相容性和性能。目标3是为中心参与者提供服务和培训，使他们能够在研究中充分理解和使用中心的设备和方法。目标4是向中心参与者、神经科学和神经工程社区以及更广泛的国家研究界传播研究和技术成果。我们将与合作者密切合作，定义、完善和测试新的设备和技术，旨在提供更强大的神经接口，以扩展他们的研究。我们还将与更多受邀用户合作，进一步验证设备的广泛应用。我们的方法是系统地扩展我们的核心平台神经接口技术，以系统地克服生物相容性问题和设备限制，目前限制了持久的微尺度电和化学神经接口。我们将把我们的研发计划与同等努力的培训结合起来

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Microfabricated implantable neural probes are an enabling technology for neuroscience. The demand for these devices comes from diverse scientific directions and presents challenging technical requirements. The mission of the Center for Neural Communication Technology is to develop and provide microscale neural probe technologies for chronic, high-fidelity neural interfaces to the CNS. We will fulfill this mission by establishing a systematic, sequenced research and development program that integrates leading-edge neurotechnologies and techniques with pioneering neuroscience applications. The Center has four objectives: Objective 1 is to develop microscale neural probes, treatments, and methodologies for long-term, multichannel electrical and chemical neural interfaces with targeted areas of the brain. Objective 2 is to integrate these components into implantable devices and characterize their long-term biocompatibility and performance in diverse experimental applications. Objective 3 is to provide service and training to Center participants that will enable them to fully understand and use the Center's devices and methodologies in their research. Objective 4 is to disseminate research and technology outcomes to Center participants, the neuroscience and neural engineering communities, and the broader national research community. We will work closely with collaborators to define, refine, and test new devices and techniques that are directed at providing more powerful neural interfaces to extend their research. We will also work with larger groups of invited users to further validate the devices for broader applications. Our approach is to systematically extend our core platform neural interface technology in directions that will systematically overcome the biocompatibility issues and device limitations that presently limit long-lasting microscale electrical and chemical neural interfaces. We will combine our R&D program with an equal effort in in training and dissemination in order to maximize the Center's impact on the national research community. The Center's organization and operations provide a means to efficiently coordinate and manage its four programs to meet its objectives. Each program has an identified leader who is responsible for its overall performance. Each program is milestone driven with realistic operational processes and measurable outcomes. Synergy among the Center's programs is highly valued and will be facilitated by aligning research goals across core and collaborative projects, and by establishing cross-cutting work groups to address specific research, service, training, and dissemination problems.